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The Truth About the Health Risks of Breast Implants

implanthealdev on December 18, 2023

Breast implants are a popular aesthetic procedure that has become increasingly common over the past few years. Women choose to have them for a variety of reasons such as to increase breast size, correct asymmetry, or reconstruct post-cancer. However, with the prevalence of breast implants has come concerns regarding their impact on overall health. So, can breast implants harm your health? In this blog post, we will explore the topic in-depth to help you make a more informed decision about your body.

First, let’s address the most significant health concern surrounding breast implants which is breast implant illness (BII). BII is a collection of symptoms that some women experience after having breast implants. These symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and more. While there is no definitive proof that breast implants cause BII, many women have reported relief after removing their implants. It’s important to note that not all women with implants experience these symptoms, and not all symptoms are necessarily caused by the implants.

Another common concern is that breast implants can increase your risk of autoimmune disease. Again, while there is no conclusive proof that breast implants directly cause autoimmune disease, several studies have found a correlation between the two. One study found that women with breast implants had a higher incidence of a type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. Another study found that women with implants were more likely to develop Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease in which white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands.

When it comes to breast cancer, many women worry that implants could potentially hide breast lumps or make it more difficult to detect cancerous cells. However, studies show that breast implants do not affect mammography accuracy. In fact, mammography provides more detailed images and can be performed more quickly in women with breast implants.

It’s also worth considering the material used in breast implants. The two most common types of implants are silicone and saline. Silicone implants are made of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. Several studies have been conducted on the safety of silicone implants and have found no evidence that they are associated with serious health risks. However, ruptures can occur, which can cause complications including infection, scarring, and breast pain.

In conclusion, while there may be some potential health risks associated with breast implants, it’s essential to note that the majority of women with breast implants do not experience any negative side effects. It’s crucial to speak with an experienced and qualified surgeon and perform proper research before undergoing any surgical procedure. Ultimately, the decision to get breast implants is a personal one, and every woman should do what feels right for her body. If you do decide to get implants, it’s important to maintain regular breast implant health checks to ensure the implants are healthy and functioning correctly.

 

Getting a Breast Implant Check

implanthealdev on October 9, 2023

Getting a Breast Implant Check

If you have undergone or are considering a breast augmentation, you may be looking at getting a breast implant health check the overall health of your implant. 

On average, breast implants should last around 10 years, before we recommend changing or removing them. Whilst the procedure is considered safe, it is important to remember that like all medical procedures, they do carry a risk of complication. To help mitigate the risk of complications, we advise getting a breast implant health check to check every couple of years. 

Dedicated breast health screenings, such as Implant Health use specialist MRI equipment to view the overall health and condition of your implant, and your overall breast health to detect any signs of complication or abnormality. 

What Complications could Arise?

Now, complications arising from breast augmentations are very rare. However, if you suspect something is wrong, you must contact a trained professional who will be able to identify and treat the problem. 

Here are some of the complications that could arise from breast augmentation procedures.

Breast Implant Infection

To your body, breast implants are a foreign material and therefore there is a slight risk they could become infected. If you experience high fever, breast pain, swelling, tenderness, or breast discharge, you should seek the help of a professional to provide treatment. 

Capsular contracture

Following your procedure, a thin layer of scar tissue will form around the surface of the implant, this is known as a capsule and is completely natural. However, in some cases, this capsule may become abnormally thickened and start to cause discomfort. We call this a capsular contracture, which may require surgery to remove the hard capsule of tissue. 

Breast Implant Malposition

This happens when a breast implant moves, causing issues with positioning. It can happen soon after surgery later down the line but symptoms usually manifest as significant and visible changes to the overall shape and positioning. 

Breast Implant Ruptures

This is more common in older implants, but they can occur at any time. Symptoms to look out for include a significant change in breast size or shape, hardness around the implant, lumps, and redness to the skin. 

In some cases, ruptures may not present any symptoms, this is known as a silent rupture. Again, we recommend having your implants checked regularly to avoid any problems.

BIA-ALCL

BIA-ALCL, also known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an extremely rare blood cancer that forms in the capsule of breast implants. Symptoms include a build-up of fluid or a hard lump developing around the breast. 

Seroma 

If your breast implant ruptures or you have a low-grade infection it can cause fluid to collect around the implant. The most common symptom to look out for is an increase in overall breast size. 

If you have noticed any sudden changes in your breasts following a breast augmentation, getting a breast implant check can help to identify any underlying issues. At Implant Health, any abnormalities, revisions, and required treatment will be discussed with you and dealt with by specialist plastic surgeons, and Doctors.

Here at Implant Health, we strive to empower and support you through your implant journey, so if you have any concerns or would like to book a breast screening contact our team.  

 

Breast Implants Hurting

implanthealdev on September 19, 2023

Breast Implants Hurting (what could it be?)

Following a breast augmentation, it is natural to experience pain and discomfort during your recovery period. However, persistent pain or irritation outside of the healing period is not a normal result of breast augmentation and should be checked by a professional. 

Whilst breast augmentation remains one of the safest cosmetic procedures on the market, it is important to remember that all medical procedures come with a risk of complication. 

Here are some of the possible reasons breast implants could hurt. 

Breast Implant Rupture

Whilst implant ruptures are most common in older implants, they can happen at any time. A rupture is when an implant tear inside the breast capsule, causing the filling to leak out. 

Now, some ruptures can be difficult to spot, but they can cause the surrounding breast tissue to become irritated, and you may experience pain, swelling, a significant hardening of the breast, or a change in size and shape.  

If you have saline implants, a rupture will result in almost immediate deflation making it easy to diagnose. In contrast, silicone implants can be difficult to detect without an ultrasound because the silicone solution is viscous and will leak out at a much slower rate, and usually remain around the breast capsule.  

Whilst ruptures are not considered dangerous, or a life-threatening emergency it is important that you have your breasts checked by a professional. We recommend undergoing regular breast screenings to monitor the overall health of your implant and detect any complications such as rupture that may require revision.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a fairly rare complication, but it can occur with both saline and silicone implants. 

Naturally, when an implant is placed the body forms a harmless capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Now, in most cases this scar tissue remains soft and flexible, however, sometimes it may become overly firm and start to squeeze the implant. This is known as capsular contracture. 

Typically, symptoms of capsular contracture manifest as pain, significant hardening of the breast, or visible changes to the breast’s size or shape. If you are concerned, we recommend having your implants reviewed by a professional as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of infection.  

Necrosis 

Necrosis is a more serious cause of breast implant pain that occurs when blood flow and oxygen to the area are restricted. This can result in the death of healthy breast tissue, known as necrosis. 

One of the key symptoms of necrosis to be aware of is a change in your skin colour around the breast becoming blue, purple, or black. You may also experience significant pain and should have your breasts checked as soon as possible to reduce the risk of any long-term damage.   

Lymph node Damage

Following your breast augmentation procedure, you may experience slight swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes around your armpit. 

If the pain persists beyond your natural healing period, there is a slight chance that the lymph nodes were damaged during surgery. If you have silicone implants, it can also be symptomatic of a rupture as silicone gathers around the area. 

Seroma 

Following breast augmentation procedures, a fluid known as serous is secreted and can gather around the incision area. If there is an excessive amount of serous fluid, it may develop a lump that can be painful to the touch known as a seroma.

It is important to closely monitor how your wounds heal following your procedure, and inform your surgeon of any additional pain, burning sensations, or changes to skin texture that could indicate a seroma. 

In the case of a seroma developing, your surgeon will usually call you in to check everything is healing as it should and drain the lump to help with any pain. 

Hematoma 

Hematoma is caused by blood from the incision pooling and clotting around the nearby tissue causing small, painful lumps to form. 

Usually, hematoma manifests as pain, swelling, and bruising around the breast. Now, in most cases, hematomas can clear up by themselves given time, but you must be checked out by a professional if you are concerned to identify and advise on any potential complications. 

It is important to remember that the average lifespan of a breast implant is around 10 years, after that they should be replaced or removed. Now, whilst complications associated with breast augmentation is rare, we recommend you undergo regular breast health screenings, such as an Implant Health screening to monitor the ongoing health of both the implant and the surrounding breast to identify any potential complications.

For more information, or to book your screening at one of our centres contact Implant Health.

 

Can Breast Implants Cause Health Problems

implanthealdev on September 19, 2023

Can Breast Implants Cause Health Problems?

Can breast implants cause health problems? If you have undergone or are considering having a breast augmentation this is one question you may be pondering. 

Breast augmentations are considered safe; however, it is important to remember that like any medical procedure, they do carry a risk of complication. 

What Complications Should I be Aware of?

So, can breast implants cause health problems? Being one of the most popular, and sought-after cosmetic procedures, complications arising from breast augmentations are very rare. However, if you suspect something is wrong, it is important to get your implants checked by a professional as soon as possible. 

On average, the lifespan of a breast implant is around 10 years, but we recommend having your implants checked by a professional every couple of years to ensure it is still healthy. 

Below, we have detailed some of the complications to look out for. 

Breast Implant Infection

It is important to remember that breast implants are a foreign material and therefore can become infected. If you develop a high fever, breast pain, swelling, tenderness, breast discharge, or the breast feels hot to the touch, we advise you to seek professional help right away. 

Infections can generally be treated with antibiotics, but in more severe cases, we may need to clean the infected tissue and remove the implant.  

Breast Implant Ruptures

This type of complication is more common in older implants; however, they can occur at any time. Symptoms to look out for include a change in breast size or shape, hardness around the implant, redness on the skin, or lumps under the arm. 

For some patients, a ruptured implant may not present with any symptoms, this is known as a silent rupture. Again, we recommend having your implants checked regularly to avoid any problems.

Capsular contracture

It is natural for women to develop a thin layer of scar tissue over the surface of the implant, this is known as a capsule. However, if this capsule becomes abnormally thickened it may begin to cause discomfort in the breast or change its shape. 

We call this a capsular contracture, which may require surgery to remove the hard capsule of tissue. 

Breast Implant Malposition

This happens when the implant begins to move. It can happen soon after the initial surgery or sometimes later down the line. Now, there are several types of positioning problems, including: 

Rotation – this is more common with teardrop-shaped implants

Implant flipping – which results in a sudden change of shape

Slipping – where the implant slips to the bottom or the side of the breast.

Seroma (fluid around the implant)

If your implant ruptures or you have a low-grade infection it can cause fluid to collect around the implant. In rare cases, the fluid may be caused by anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) that develops around breast capsules. The most common symptom to look out for is an increase in your overall breast size, and you should always seek professional help to mitigate any further risk. 

BIA-ALCL

BIA-ALCL, otherwise known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an extremely rare blood cancer that forms in the capsule of breast implants. It is thought to occur around 8-10 years following your procedure, and symptoms can include a build-up of fluid or a hard lump that you can feel. 

Here at Implant Health, we strive to empower and support you through your implant journey, so if you have any concerns or would like to book a screening contact our team.  

 

My breast implant is the wrong shape – what can I do?

implanthealdev on September 1, 2023

Whilst extremely rare, breast augmentations do carry a slight risk of complication. One of the main symptoms that something is wrong is a significant change in the look and feel of your implant. 

In this blog, we will look at some of the possible complications that could cause your breast implant to change shape and treatment for each condition.

What are the complications?

Breast augmentations remain the most sought-after cosmetic procedures around today. Now, complications from breast augmentations are rare but it is important to have your implants checked by a professional to treat the issue. 

On average, the lifespan of both saline and silicone breast implants is around 10 years. After this time, it is recommended that you have them replaced or removed. However, during the lifespan of your implant, we recommend you book regular breast health screenings to ensure your implant and surrounding breast remain healthy. 

Here are some complications that could cause your breast to change shape:

Capsular contracture

Following breast augmentations, it is natural to develop a thin layer of scar tissue over the surface of the implant. If this tissue becomes abnormally thickened it can cause discomfort in the breast and result in it changing shape. 

We call this a capsular contracture and sometimes will recommend further surgery to remove the affected tissue. 

Breast Implant Ruptures

Breast Implant Ruptures are more common in older implants, but they can occur at any time. If you have a saline implant, one of the main symptoms to look out for is a significant change in breast shape, and size. 

In silicone implants, ruptures may be a little more difficult to identify as the silicone generally remains around the breast tissue, but you may notice hardening of the breast.

Breast Implant Rupture treatment typically involves surgery to remove the implant, and replace it if necessary. 

Breast Implant Malposition

This can happen following the initial surgery, or later in life but Implant Malposition happens when the implant changes position in the breast. Changes can include rotation, flipping, and slipping but all will manifest as a change in overall breast shape. 

If you suspect your breast implant has moved, contact your surgeon, or book a screening at one of our facilities. A qualified surgeon will be able to correct the implant position or replace it if necessary. 

Seroma (fluid around the implant)

If your implant ruptures or you have developed a minor infection, fluid can collect around the implant which in most cases causes the breast to increase in overall size. You should always seek professional help to identify and treat the seroma to mitigate any further problems.  

Will breast implant screening help?

Yes. Regular breast screenings can monitor how your breast implants change over time and the overall health of the surrounding breast. Any change in shape or size will be detected during your screenings, and we will be able to identify the cause and recommend a suitable course of action.

For more information on breast implant infections, or to book a breast health screening contact our team at Implant Health.

Concerned About Breast Implants and Health?

implanthealdev on August 20, 2023

If you’re concerned about breast implants and your health, it’s important to address your concerns in a proactive and informed manner. While breast augmentation is generally safe, it’s natural to want to ensure your well-being. Here are steps to consider if you think your breast implants are making you ill:

  1. Consult a Medical Professional:

If you’re experiencing symptoms that you believe might be related to your breast implants, the first step is to consult a qualified medical professional. A board-certified plastic surgeon or a healthcare provider experienced in breast implant issues can help evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

  1. Document Your Symptoms:

Keep a detailed record of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Include information such as the type of symptoms, when they started, any patterns you’ve noticed, and how they impact your daily life. This information will be valuable when discussing your concerns with a medical professional.

  1. Be Open About Your Concerns:

When consulting a medical professional, be open and transparent about your concerns. Clearly communicate your symptoms, your suspicion that they might be related to your breast implants, and any relevant information about your medical history. This will help the healthcare provider assess your situation accurately.

  1. Consider Medical Testing:

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider might recommend medical testing to rule out other potential causes. Imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI can help assess the condition of your breast implants and surrounding tissue. These tests can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

  1. Seek a Second Opinion:

If you’re unsure about the initial assessment or diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another qualified medical professional. Different perspectives can help you make a well-informed decision about your health.

  1. Research and Educate Yourself:

While online information can be helpful, it’s essential to rely on reputable sources for information about breast implant health concerns. Look for information from reputable medical organizations, regulatory agencies, and established healthcare providers.

  1. Consider Implant Removal or Revision:

If your medical evaluations suggest that your breast implants might be causing health issues, you may need to consider implant removal or revision surgery. Discuss the potential benefits, risks, and considerations with your healthcare provider and plastic surgeon.

  1. Prioritize Your Well-Being:

Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance. Make decisions that prioritize your physical and emotional health. If you’re experiencing symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, seeking appropriate medical attention is essential.

Conclusion:

If you believe your breast implants are making you ill, or are concerned about breast implants, it’s important to approach the situation with careful consideration and informed decision-making. Consulting qualified medical professionals, documenting your symptoms, and prioritizing open communication will guide you toward the best course of action for your health. Whether it’s seeking medical testing, considering implant removal, or exploring treatment options, taking proactive steps will ensure that you’re on the path to addressing your concerns and achieving your well-being.

 

Understanding Seroma Fluid: A Common Concern Around Breast Implants

implanthealdev on June 12, 2023

Understanding Seroma Fluid: A Common Concern Around Breast Implants

All cosmetic surgeries carry a risk of complications, and breast implants are no different. One common concern that may arise after breast augmentation is the accumulation of seroma fluid around the breast implant. In this article, we will delve into what seroma fluid is, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and tips for prevention.

 

What is Breast Seroma Fluid?

 

Seroma fluid is a collection of clear or slightly yellowish fluid that can accumulate within the body’s tissues. In the context of breast augmentation, seroma fluid may form around the implant. This fluid buildup occurs when the body’s natural healing process leads to an excess production of fluid in the surgical site. Although seromas can potentially develop after any surgical procedure, they are more commonly associated with breast augmentation surgery.

 

Breast Seroma Symptoms 

 

The precise cause of seroma formation remains uncertain, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include trauma to the surgical area, inadequate drainage of lymphatic fluid during surgery, excessive physical activity, or an inflammatory response. Symptoms of a seroma may include swelling, pain, tenderness, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the breast area. In some cases, a visible or palpable fluid-filled pocket may be noticeable.

 

Seroma Treatment Options 

 

When seroma fluid is identified around a breast implant, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment options for seromas vary depending on their size and severity. Small seromas may resolve on their own with time, but larger ones may require intervention. The most common approach is needle aspiration, where a healthcare professional uses a syringe to withdraw the accumulated fluid. In some instances, a drainage tube may be inserted to facilitate continuous drainage until the seroma resolves.

 

Prevention and Post-Operative Care 

 

While it may not always be possible to prevent seroma formation entirely, certain measures can help minimize the risk. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently is crucial. This includes avoiding strenuous physical activities and lifting heavy objects during the initial recovery period. Wearing a compression garment as recommended by your surgeon can also help reduce swelling and aid in proper healing. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your healing progress and detect any potential complications, including seroma formation, at an early stage.

 

Conclusion 

 

Seroma fluid accumulation around breast implants is a known post-operative complication. Understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures is vital for individuals undergoing breast augmentation surgery. By being aware of the signs and promptly seeking medical attention, individuals can ensure timely management of seroma fluid, facilitating a smoother and more successful recovery from breast augmentation surgery.

 

If you have concerns about your breast implants, Implant Health can help. We encourage regular check-ups of your implants to address issues and check for any problems. To get a breast implant check-up, please book an appointment.

 

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check